At Gallatin River Guides, we take the guesswork out of planning your next fishing adventure. Our hosted trips are designed for anglers who want to experience world-class fisheries with the confidence of expert guidance and seamless logistics. From the rivers to the sea, our team is there to ensure an unforgettable experience.
We hand-pick destinations that offer top-tier fishing, comfortable accommodations, and immersive cultural experiences. All you have to do is show up—we’ll handle the rest. A Gallatin River Guides team member will walk you through everything you need to know, do, and plan for. They'll even be with you on your trip!
Ready to join us on the trip of a lifetime? Browse our upcoming hosted adventures below!
Venture deep into the heart of Colombia’s Orinoco River Basin for a week-long expedition chasing trophy Peacock Bass at the Akuani Floating Camp. This safari-style adventure begins with a flight into Bogotá, followed by a private charter to La Primavera. From there, you’ll traverse the rugged countryside of the Vichada province in 4x4 vehicles before boarding boats for the final stretch into camp.
Once settled, you’ll be treated to incredible meals—remarkably refined for such a remote setting—before setting out at first light to explore the vast Tomo River system. A key tributary of the Orinoco, the Tomo is a maze of pristine lagoons and floodplains, offering the ideal habitat for aggressive Peacock Bass. Beyond the fishing, the jungle teems with wildlife, ensuring that every moment spent on the water is as thrilling as it is unforgettable!
Dates: January 30 to February 8
Cost: $4,900 USD
Spots Available: 10
Included: Unlimited beer and soft drinks, Starlink internet at camp, airport shuttles, 2 hotel nights in Bogotá (double accommodation), private charter round flight, camp and river transfers, 3 meals a day prepared by a Professional Chef, snacks, basic travel insurance, experienced native fishing guides, fishing license, satellite phone, and laundry services.
Not Included: Flight to Bogota, Colombia, meals in Bogotá or at places other than the camp, extra activities in Bogotá, fishing gear, Hard liquor (available upon request with advance notice), Tips (10-15% of the total package price suggested), and Global Rescue(highly recommended)
A dedicated Gallatin River Guides Trip Host will accompany you throughout your journey, ensuring every detail runs smoothly for a seamless and enjoyable experience.
Day 1: Arrival in Bogotá, Colombia
-Upon arrival at El Dorado International Airport, an Afloat representative will greet you and arrange your transfer to your hotel.
-Your package includes double accommodation, with the option to upgrade to single occupancy for an additional fee.
Day 2: Private Flight to La Primavera, Vichada
-After a restful night, you'll board a 1-hour and 20-minute charter flight to La Primavera.
-From there, a 4-hour ride in 4x4 trucks will take you to the Tomo River, where boats will be waiting to transport you to Akuani Floating Camp.
Day 3 Through 8: Peacock Bass Fishing in the Orinoquia Region of Colombia
-Daily fishing excursions along the Tomo and Gavilan rivers, targeting trophy-sized peacock bass and other wild species while exploring the diverse aquatic habitats.
Day 9: Return to La Primavera and Return Flight to Bogotá
-Begin your return journey with a trip back to La Primavera, followed by a charter flight to Bogotá.
-Double accommodation in Bogotá is included for your stay.
Day 10: Depart Bogotá
-Transfer from the hotel to the airport and return home!
Peacock Bass are relentless fighters that will push your gear and skills to the limit. Known for their explosive strikes, these fish hit flies with the force of a freight train before making powerful, drag-screaming runs—often multiple times in a single battle. And just when you think you have them under control, they launch into the air in acrobatic displays.
Rods: 9 and 10 wts are the recommended rod
-R.L. Winston Air 2 Max in 9wt 8'6" or 9', 10wt 9'
-Scott Sector in 9wt 9' or 10wt 9'
-Sage Igniter in 9wt 9' or 10wt 9'
-Sage Payload in 9wt 8'9" or 10wt 9'
Reels: You need a drag system with stopping power and a large arbor that can pick up line quickly
-Ross Reels Evolution R Salt 9/10
-Sage Enforcer 9/10
-Bauer SLT 7/8/9 or SLT 9/10/11
Fly Lines: Packing a mix of floating, sinking, and hover lines is a necessity. In our experience you want smooth lines only, the texture lines will pick up sand and shred your fingers.
-Rio Warmwater Predator WF9F/H/I or WF10F/H/I (This is a hover line with a 1ips section and 2ips tip, this lines comes in full float, hover, and fast sinking options)
-SA Sonar Titan Jungle Clear Tip (This is a sink tip fly line)
-SA Sonar Titan Jungle Custom Tip (This is a full sink fly line)
-SA Mastery Jungle Titan (This is a floating line)
Leaders & Tippet: In the jungle you fish very short, heavy pound test line, usually tying your tippet straight to your fly line
-Rio Fluoroflex Saltwater Tippet 30lb, 40lb, and 50lb
-Rio Saltwater Mono 30lb, 40lb, 50lb
The Orinoquia Region of Colombia is extremely rich with diverse fish species and wildlife!
Fish:
You can expect to see all three types of Peacock Bass while fishing. The Speckled Peacock Bass or Cichla temensis is the largest of the three, locals call the juveniles "pintalapa." The Orinoco Peacock Bass or "mariposa" and the Intermedia Peacock Bass or "elektra" are also both common to catch. Other fish species in these waters are the Payara(Vampire Fish), Red Tail Catfish, Shovel Nose Catfish, Amazon Pellona, Arowana, Black Pacu, Matrinxa, Silver Croaker, and Piranha!
Wildlife:
-Jaguar
-Tapir
-Capybara
-Green Anaconda
-Orinoco Caiman
-Howler Monkeys
-Scarlet Macaws
-Toucans
-Pink Dolphins
-Orinoco Giant Otters
Flights: Flying to Bogotá from the US is a realtively quick and easy flight that usually only has one layover dpending on what your home airport is. Flight times will vary depending on where in the US you are traveling from. Your trip host will be able to assist you with all flight reservation details during your trip.
Passports: To travel to Colombia, Americans do not currently need a Visa. Your Passport just needs to be valid for the entirety of your stay.
Vaccinations: No vaccinations are currently required for travel in Colombia. However, it is highly recommended that you get a Yellow Fever Vaccine, are up to date with your Tetanus innoculation, and consult your physician for all recommendations before travelling. Your trip host will be able to assist you with what medications are recommended, but your doctor will be the best source for this information.
To secure your reservation, a 50% deposit of the total trip cost is required at the time of booking. The remaining balance is due 90 days prior to the start date of your trip. For bookings made within 90 days of the trip start date, full payment is required at the time of booking.
All deposits are non-refundable. It is highly recommended that you purchase Trip Insurance and/or Global Rescue for your trips. We have partnered with Global Rescue to ensure that all of our clients receive the best assistance possible when it comes to security, safety, and travel risks.
Payment can be made with Cash, Card, or Check.
Need a tropical getaway that also scratches that fishing itch? Look no further! Turneffe Flats offers some of the best flats fishing in the world, making it an ideal destination for both beginner saltwater anglers and seasoned pros. With year-round opportunities for cooperative bonefish and permit, as well as migratory tarpon and resident juveniles, this fishery is truly a must-visit. Spend your days wading endless flats or on the bow of a boat in search of tailing fish and your evenings relaxing at the lodge, where you’ll enjoy incredible meals and swap stories with fellow anglers. Lunch is served right on the water, whether you're fishing from the boat or stalking the flats on foot. And just wait until you try the fried chicken—it’s legendary. Between the world-class fishing, stunning scenery, and top-notch hospitality, this trip is sure to make you never want to go home.
Dates: February 14 to February 21
Cost: $6,361.25 USD
Spots Available: 11
Included: Airport transfers, double occupancy lodging, three meals daily plus pre-dinner hors d’oeuvres, use of on-site amenities including pool, internet, sea kayaks and the gym
Not Included: Flights to Belize, alcohol, gratuities, equipment rentals, Travel Insurance or Global Rescue
February 14:
-Fly into Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport in Belize City
-Transfer by boat to Turneffe Flats Lodge
February 15-20:
-Spend six days fishing from 16 foot Custom Dolphin Skiffs targetting Permit, Bonefish, and the occasional Tarpon
February 21:
-Return to Belize City by boat, fly home, and tell all your friends about the epic flats fishing trip you just went on!
Depending on what species fish you are targetting you will want different rod/reel combos. Here are our favorites:
Permit: 9 or 10wt rod with a saltwater reel holding 200+ yds of 20lb backing
-R.L. Winston Air 2 Max 9wt 9'
-Scott Sector 10wt 9'
-Ross Reels Evolution R Salt 9/10
-Rio Elite Flats Pro in 9 or 10wt to match your rod
Bonefish: 7 to 9wt rod with a saltwater reel holding 150+ yds of 20lb backing
-R.L. Winston Air 2 Max 8wt 8'6"
-Sage Igniter 8wt 9'
-Sage Enforcer 7/8
-Rio Elite Bonefish in matching wt to your rod
Tarpon: 11 or 12wt rod with saltwater reel holding 200+ yds of 50 or 100lb backing
-R.L. Winston 11wt 9'
-Scott Sector 12wt 9'
-Ross Reels Evolution R Salt 11/12
-Rio Elite Flats Pro in matching wt to your rod
Fish:
-Bonefish
-Permit
-Tarpon
-Snook
-Barracuda
-Snapper
-Jacks
-Triggerfish
Wild and Marine Life:
-Saltwater Crocodile
-Reef Sharks
-Nurse Sharks
-Dolphins
-Manatees
-Spotted Eagle Rays
-Frigatebirds
-Pelicans
-Ospreys
-Snowy Egrets
-Spiny Lobster
-Queen Conch
All flights into Belize City must land before 3pm on February 14th in order to make your Turneffe Flats same-day boat transfer. If you arrive a day early or your flight lands later than 3pm, accomodation can be arranged for an extra fee at The Great House Inn.
Trip Insurance is not included, and is recommended to protect your expenses in the event of unpredictable circumstances that alter your travel plans.
To secure your reservation, a 50% deposit of the total trip cost is required at the time of booking. The remaining balance is due 90 days prior to the start date of your trip. For bookings made within 90 days of the trip start date, full payment is required at the time of booking.
All deposits are non-refundable. It is highly recommended that you purchase Trip Insurance and/or Global Rescue for your trips. We have partnered with Global Rescue to ensure that all of our clients receive the best assistance possible when it comes to security, safety, and travel risks.
Payment can be made with Cash, Card, or Check.
Outfitter: Michael Donaldson, Montana License #36853 GRG operates under a special use permit with the Custer Gallatin National Forest and is an equal opportunity provider.